Focal enterprises' control and knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Guo ◽  
Naiding Yang ◽  
Yanlu Zhang

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore that relational capability plays a mediator role in the relationship between focal enterprises' control on knowledge transfer risks in R&D network.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the related literature from which it proposes a theoretical hypothesis and conceptual framework which is tested empirically adopting regression methodology by mathematical statistics software.FindingsThe results reveal that focal enterprises' control (core technological capability and network position) have a positive effect on knowledge transfer risks without the mediation of relational capability. Moreover, relational capability mediates the positive relationship between core technological capability and knowledge transfer risks.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional data of this research has difficult in testing causality between the variables, and future research should take account of the potential factors that can impact on knowledge transfer risks.Practical implicationsThe results provide more valuable information to managers in alleviating knowledge transfer risks in R&D networks. For one thing, the study indicates how focal firms' control (core technological capability and network position) can be taken advantage of improving R&D efficiency and reducing the knowledge transfer risks. For another, the results emphasize that relational capability plays an important role in interacting with cooperative enterprises in the process of R&D activities.Originality/valueFew studies present a theoretical discussion on focal firms control as the important determinants of knowledge transfer risks especially in the R&D network. Moreover it expands the related risk management theory by relational capability that mediates the relationship between focal firms control and knowledge transfer risks.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 948-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Chai ◽  
Jin Li ◽  
Thomas Clauss ◽  
Chanchai Tangpong

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents and the conditions of coopetition at the inter-organizational level. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on survey research methodology and analyzes the data from 138 companies regarding the antecedents and the conditions of their coopetition. Findings The results indicate that the interdependence between partners (i.e. the antecedent) positively affects interfirm coopetition, and that this relationship is contingent on the joint occurrence of opportunism (a behavioral condition) and technology uncertainty (a contextual condition). Specifically, highly interdependent firms are more likely to be involved in a coopetitive relationship when both opportunism and technology uncertainty are high. Interestingly, the authors’ data also show that opportunism or technology uncertainty alone may not be adequate in moderating the interdependence–coopetition relationship. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the current literature in two meaningful ways. First, it empirically examines interdependence as a potential antecedent of interfirm coopetition. Second, it improves our understanding of the behavioral and contextual conditions that facilitate the formation of coopetitive relationships by examining the moderating roles of opportunisms and technology uncertainty in the relationship between interdependence and interfirm coopetition. The limitations of this study lie in its confined method of cross-sectional survey from the focal firm’s perspective. Future research may advance beyond this study through experimental and/or longitudinal research designs. Practical implications This study provides managers with two important practical insights in coopetition management. First, the findings suggest a two-step approach to help a firm assess and manage the level of coopetition in its relationship with a business partner. In addition, the findings provide a counterintuitive suggestion to managers that the joint conditions of high opportunism and high technology uncertainty indeed prime the relationship for the rise of coopetition, provided that managerial efforts are made to somewhat increase the level of interdependence in the relationship. Originality/value Despite the growing number of studies on coopetition, research still lacks knowledge about the antecedents and the conditions of inter-organizational coopetition, and this study aims to fill this gap.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin Wei Chong ◽  
Yee Yen Yuen ◽  
Booi Chen Tan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents of successful organizational cross-border knowledge transfer and also the relationship among the antecedents for sustainable competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach First, a focus group study was conducted to identify major constructs and map out the proposed framework. This is then followed by questionnaire survey from 210 Malaysian multimedia super corridor (MSC) status corporations as recipients. Their international business affiliates refer to any organizations located outside Malaysia with which the recipient firm has a relationship. Data were analysed using SPSS. Findings The findings suggest that the perceived value of the knowledge, relational dimension and cognitive dimension, as well as recipient learning intent and the attractiveness of a foreign source are significant related to the effectiveness of organizational cross-border knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications Because this research only covered 210 MSC status corporations, future research can try to have more coverage on other industry to have larger sample size for generalizability purposes. Other factors such as organizational and context characteristics can be added as antecedents to strengthen the framework for effective knowledge transfer. Practical implications The empirical findings can be used as a guideline for MSC status firms to undergo a self-check and help them rethink and reposition themselves in light of the findings. It helps MSC status corporations to frame their organizational cross-border knowledge transfer activities to enable the creation and application of knowledge which should allow them to drive the capability of creating and retaining a greater value onto their core business competencies. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights to help creating a successful foundation for organizational cross-border knowledge transfer. This study is also among few studies to examine the critical antecedents in successful organizational cross-border knowledge transfer from a multidimensional perspective in Malaysia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 693-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Pichler ◽  
Arup Varma ◽  
Andrew Yu ◽  
Gerard Beenen ◽  
Shahin Davoudpour

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and test hypotheses about the independent relationships between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and high-performance work cultures (HPWC) and employee turnover. Given the growth of women in the workforce, the authors also develop competing predictions about how organizational gender demography (i.e. a higher percentage of women) may either strengthen or weaken the relationship of HPWSs to turnover. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 171 human resource (HR) executives across organizations of various sizes and industries in the Chicago metropolitan area in the USA was conducted. Findings – The authors found that HPWS and HPWC are associated with lower turnover, though the relationship between HPWC and turnover was stronger. Results also indicate that HPWS are more strongly related to lower turnover among organizations that employ relatively more women. Research limitations/implications – The results indicates that HPWS may not be universalistic in terms of their effectiveness specifically as related to turnover. This was a cross-sectional study; it would be useful for future research to use a longitudinal research design. Practical implications – The findings suggest that organizations should consider how their cultures, use of high-performance work practices, and gender demography are related to important HR metrics such as turnover. Social implications – This paper represents an important contribution to understanding the importance and implications of changes in the workforce demographic characteristics. Originality/value – This is the first study to integrate an organizational demography perspective with HPWS.


2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Hsing (Sam) Liu ◽  
Bernard Gan ◽  
Yucheng Eason Zhang

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw on social network theory to develop a new theoretical model to explain how experience and leadership influence critical network position. Broad analyses of the mediating role of leadership between experience and critical network position calls attention to the need to investigate the direct relationship between leadership and critical network position. Empirical examinations of the roles of leadership and experience within the social network context are lacking. The authors seeks to fill this gap by constructing a new theoretical model and testing it in the knowledge-intensive sector. Design/methodology/approach – The authors made 3,356 observations involving 427 faculty members in business and management departments in Taiwanese universities. To test the model, the authors performed two different regression models using the Baron and Kenny (1986) procedure and the Sobel test. Findings – The results that the authors obtained lead to three conclusions. First, scholars’ experience positively relates to leadership in grouping the followers toward the common goal and to their publications. Second, scholars’ leadership predicts occupying the critical network position, which, in turn, facilitates acquiring more information and resources. Third, experience relates to critical network position through influence on personal leadership. Research limitations/implications – Although the insights gained from the study are important in theoretical and empirical implications, this study has its limitations. The research examined the professional interaction networks of business management scholars of Taiwanese universities. Although the authors believe that the findings are generalizable to other fields of similar phenomena settings, there are also settings where the generalizability of the study is probably quite limited. Future research could study samples in other fields, such as biomedical research and chemical research, and samples in other knowledge-intensive industries. Practical implications – The results imply that managers can reap the benefits of their leadership either informal or informal organizations by occupying a critical position to control the flow of resources and information. In other words, the results indicate that leadership can be developed through experience. As well, leadership plays an important mediating role between experience and critical network positions. This may seem to contradict the evidence from research on network concepts and resources control, which primarily draws attention to leadership being a helpful quality for those in critical network positions. Originality/value – This research extends beyond previous studies that focussed on the value of critical network positions. Furthermore, the paper also examines how the relationship between prior relevant experience and leadership plays a role in academic network settings. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies explore this perspective. Finally, studies that examine the relationship between business management academic networks and different methodology used to measures the network position are few in number, and those that use such longitudinal empirical work are particularly lacking. This study addresses these issues.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 691-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Kyei-Poku

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the main and indirect effects of belongingness and interactional fairness on interpersonal citizenship behavior. Design/methodology/approach – Field data were obtained from 141 subordinate-supervisor dyads from diverse occupations and organizations within Canada. The study was cross-sectional in nature. Findings – Consistent with expectations the findings demonstrates that interactional fairness positively predicts employee sense of belongingness, and employees show more helping behavior (supervisor rated) when they have a stronger sense of belongingness at work. Belongingness partially mediates the relationship between interactional fairness and interpersonal behavior. Research limitations/implications – Future research could involve investigating a broader range of mediating mechanisms that might promote interpersonal citizenship behavior; for example, trust. As previously indicated, belongingness partially mediates the relationship between interactional fairness and interpersonal citizenship behavior, implying other possible mechanisms through which interactional fairness influences follower behaviors. Moreover, this research can be extended to include to other forms of prosocial behaviors (e.g. innovative behavior). Practical implications – Satisfying employees’ need for belonging is an important aspect of organizational life and useful in promoting helping behaviors among coworkers, it is essential for organizations to, therefore, create a work culture of inclusiveness. It is prudent for organizations to also expend greater effort to maximize interactional fairness by introducing programs intended for training organizational leaders how to be fair. Originality/value – Interpersonal citizenship behavior is important for group and organizational functioning; however, current psychological models are insufficient for understanding these behaviors. To advance the understanding, this study attempts to directly test individuals’ sense of belongingness as the psychological mechanism through which interactional justice can influence interpersonal citizenship behavior.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Malca ◽  
Jean Pierre Bolaños ◽  
Francisco J. Acedo ◽  
Jorge Luis Rubio Donet ◽  
Jesus Peña-Vinces

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the mediating and moderating effects of relational flexibility norms on relationship building capacities and export performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed a quantitative and cross-sectional approach. The analysis was applied to 95 Peruvian Exporting SMEs which were examined through structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS 24.0 statistical package. The responses were gathered through telephone and personal interviews which were tested using the Mann–Whitney U test, finding no statistically significant differences.FindingsThe main finding of the study is to demonstrate the indirect effect of relational flexibility norms on the export performance of SMEs through relationship-building capabilities. In this way, these capabilities become very important variables in the export management of SMEs, since they directly affect the relationship of the Exporter–Importer dyad.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations is the cross-sectional type study that applies to the short-term effects of relational norms. Organizational characteristics and other factors that may affect export performance should also be considered in future research, as well as longitudinal studies should be developed.Practical implicationsThe study allows SMEs to focus management efforts on strengthening the relationship – building capabilities, which are very important given SMEs' resource constraints. Therefore, an adequate management of relations with importers can contribute to the reduction of control and coordination costs; and have a positive impact on export performance. Similarly, the study contributes to the management of export promotion by suggesting that one area to be prioritized is the strengthening of the relationship capacities of exporting SMEs.Originality/valueThe study provides the analysis of the mediating effect of the relationship-building capability between relational flexibility and export performance. In this way, it enriches the theoretical analysis and contributes with the empirical evidence of an emerging country like the case of Peru.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeola Samuel Adebusuyi ◽  
Olubusayo Foluso Adebusuyi

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how degree-holding secondary school teachers cope in a recessive economy by embracing hybrid entrepreneurship (HE). Specifically, we investigated how comparison with referent others, underemployment and relative deprivation led to HE.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a cross-sectional research design. We used snowball and purposive sampling techniques to recruit 303 bachelor’s degree holders teaching in Nigerian public secondary schools in two states of the federation (Ondo and Ekiti states). We analyzed the data with regression path analysis and controlled for age and gender.FindingsThe results of this study showed the following. First, teachers were high in the feeling of pay underemployment and relative deprivation. Second, pay underemployment and relative deprivation directly led to HE. Third, teachers were indirectly high in HE through either pay underemployment or relative deprivation. Finally, underemployment and relative deprivation serially mediate the relationship between referent others and HE.Research limitations/implicationsOverall, the results suggest that teachers’ involvement in HE is necessity-driven to cope with the recessive Nigerian economy. However, future research should focus on a more experimental approach to determine the cause-effect relationship.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate how workers embrace HE to cope with the consequences of a recessive economy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Hattke ◽  
Judith Hattke

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose that leaders who promote ethical values authentically will be more effective in inspiring followers to behave ethically than inauthentic leaders. It further hypothesizes that authentic ethical inspiration by leaders will transform followers’ prosocial motivation so that they internalize their leader’s values and act accordingly. Design/methodology/approach The study tests this moderated-mediation model based on survey data from 741 officers in the Federal Armed Forces Germany who are leaders and follower simultaneously. Findings Leader authenticity moderates the relationship between leader ethical influence and follower ethical behaviors. The effect is significant and substantial. Leader ethical influence has a significant, yet marginal effect on follower prosocial motivation, which, in turn, strongly relates to follower ethical behaviors. Research limitations/implications Although leader authenticity is a value in itself, it says little about the contents of leaders’ ethical values. Thus, future research should not confound authentic leadership with ethical leadership. Prosocial motivation is a comparatively stable characteristic of individuals, which is rather resilient against leader influence. Practical implications “Softer” means of leader influence are effective in the coercive context of public command-and-control organizations. By cascading down the hierarchy, ethical values disseminate throughout the organization. The study draws these conclusions within the limitations of a cross-sectional analysis. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the moderating role of perceived leader authenticity in the relationship between leader ethical inspiration and follower ethical behaviors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Huang ◽  
Ying-Jiuan Wong ◽  
Min-Li Yang

Purpose – This study examined how proactive environmental management affects firm performance and whether a controlling family moderates this effect. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted content analysis to collect data on listed Taiwanese firms and used cross-sectional regression analysis to examine the relationship between proactive environmental management and firm performance as well as the moderating role of a controlling family. Findings – The results indicated that not all types of proactive environmental management are positively associated with firm performance and that a controlling family might be more effective in low-risk proactive environmental management practices. Research limitations/implications – The focus was on the impact of proactive environmental management from the perspective of stockholders. Future research could investigate its impact on other stakeholders as well. Practical implications – The findings might convince managers that the stereotype of an environment-friendly firm – that the more its green initiatives, the less competitive it becomes – may not necessarily be true. Investing in product-focused pollution prevention could increase revenues and improve performance. Even though process-focused pollution prevention is negatively associated with firm performance, companies are not expected to reduce investment in green processes since they are required for the production of environment-friendly products. Originality/value – This study adopted a multi-dimensional approach to reveal how different types of proactive environmental management affect firm performance. The authors used the controlling family as a moderating variable to determine whether it moderates the relationship between proactive environmental management and firm performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nixon Kamukama ◽  
Diana Susan Kyomuhangi ◽  
Richard Akisimire ◽  
Laura A. Orobia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of competitive advantage in the relationship between managerial competence and financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was employed using 22 fully licensed and operational commercial banks in Uganda. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, zero order correlation and hierarchical regression analyses. Further, the bootstrap method was used to test the mediation effect of competitive advantage. All the analyses were performed using SPSS v21. Findings The findings reinforce the important position of managerial competence on financial performance of commercial banks. First, managerial competence enhances firms’ competitive advantage. Second, managerial competence has an indirect effect on financial performance through competitive advantage. Overall, managerial competence and competitive advantage are strong predictors of financial performance of commercial banks. Research limitations/implications The study employed only a single research methodological approach, therefore future research could be undertaken using a mixed approach and triangulate to compare findings. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross-sectional, considering the limitations there in, a longitudinal approach should be explored. Practical implications Emphasis should be put on improving the knowledge and skills of managers so as to attain a competitive edge in the market and thus register increased profits. This will help practitioners make legitimate decisions and conclusions that can foster business growth. Originality/value A mediation effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between managerial competence and financial performance was tested; previous studies have tended to test the direct effects.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document